Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the range?

[springboksfan]

I ask because I tested at 59 today. I knew I was low, but that's the lowest result I've had since I bought the test kit about a year ago. In my recent move, I lost the accompanying book with all the details and I can't find any answer online. Anyone know for sure? Thanks!

 

[G-Lexington]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

That's actually VERY low. My partner's has gotten as low as 46, but that's on hardcore diabetes medication. You should be shooting for 100. If you're heading lower than 90, it's time to eat something. At 59, I'd have some glucose tablets.

Lex

 

[cisco_teen]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

59 is not all that bad, and is a simple fix for a diabetic (just some OJ or a sweet snack should bring it right back up)

The normal range for an FSBS (finger stick blood sugar) result is between 70 and 110 mg/dL.

You can expect your FSBS result to rise above 110 after meals, and then decline slowly back into normal levels afterwards.

The lowest blood sugar I have seen personally (on a patient) was 37... that was pretty scary.

 

[jockboy01]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

Well, are you a diabetic (I can't remember... sorry)?

If so, that's low and you probably want a snack. But it isn't horrible. A little sugar should bring it up.

Most normal people run 80s-90s. Diabetics are a bit different.

 

[springboksfan]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

My fasting levels have always been right in the middle of the normal range, so I've never been diagnosed as diabetic. It does appear in the family, though. (Grandmother, nephew, couple others farther away)

I've heard of something called reactive hypoglycemia? I'm not trying to self-diagnose by any means, I just know that sometimes my level dips enough that I get weak, wobbly and sweaty. (Attractive, ain't it?)

Today I was like that--very, very fast--so I tested. Got the 59 and did the only thing I could do at that moment: "drink" some chocolate sauce. A new experience, to be sure! Within a few minutes I was feeling better.

 

[alley]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

I use to have a huge problem with hypoglycemia---the whole, dizzy when standing up and even almost blacking out---I was tested once at college and it was somewhere in the low 30's---they asked me I was heading to lunch and I told them I was---I really felt fine at the time though.

 

[okstatecowboy]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

For me, pre-meal range should be anywhere between 90 and 120. Roughly two hours after meals, expect it to peak. For me it would be somewhere between 160 and 200.

A 59 for me would cause me to be slightly disoriented, a cold sweat, and having difficulty walking. My dog would be running between me and the fridge, signalling I needed to eat.

mikey

 

[saaga07]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

http://diabetes.webmd.com/blood-glucose?page=3

 

[KaraBulut]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

A single blood glucose level is not something to be worried about if your other readings have been normal.

The normal range varies by the device but it's generally 60-110mg/dl. Most people start having symptoms of hypoglycemia when they're under 50.

But the good thing about a low reading is that it is easily addressed. Most of the time a low blood sugar is telling you that you need to eat. So, have a small amount of sugar like juice or a candy but follow it up with a meal.

 

[jockboy01]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

Yeah, based on that info, I wouldn't worry. I've actually passed out from it before (doesn't last long). Just know that when you get those feelings, you need to eat something. There's no medical treatment for it other than some food.

 

[ComNavFdgPk]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

About seven years ago, I left my regularly scheduled doctor's appointment, went to the grocery store to pick up some stuff for dinner and walked home. When I got there, the message light on the phone was blinking. I played back the message...it was my doctor. The message went something like this: "You have to get your ass to the emergency room RIGHT AWAY. This is a matter of life or death and I'm not joking. Your blood sugar level was 1,651!"

That's right boys and girls...not a typo...1,651. So I called a taxi and got right to the hospital, where they were expecting me. The charge nurse drew some more blood and we sat and chewed the fat for several minutes while the blood work was being completed. When the results came back, she looked a little pale and said, "Well, it looks like somebody screwed up in the lab, because this can't be right. If it was, you would be down the hall with a toe-tag so let's do this again."

One more needle stick, another fifteen to twenty minute wait and...yep, same result. Glucose level over 1,600. Needless to say, I was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit with two insulin IV drips going simultaneously. After two days in intensive care, I was sent to a room in the "general population" where I had people from just about every department in the hospital come by just to see the guy with the ridiculously high blood sugar level. After a few more days I was allowed to go home with a new insulin kit, glucose meter and all the other goodies they could put together for a newly diagnosed diabetic.

Fast forward seven years later. All I have to take now is a once-a-day 15 mg dose of Actos and I haven't had to shoot up with the insulin in over three years. My glucose level stays in a pretty normal range of 85 to 110.

 

[jockboy01]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

1600.... I can't remember if I've seen one that high. I have seen quite a few that read "high" on the glucometer... not a good sign haha.

 

[KaraBulut]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

Over the years, I've seen a couple of HHNKs come in with BG over 2000. One was awake and alert and complained that she felt like she had the flu. The other was an elderly lady whose daughter brought her in because she "had been sleeping a lot".

It's one of those times when the lab calls and says, "You're not going to believe this...".

 

[springboksfan]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll try to keep better track of the timespans between my meals/snacks.

 

[KaraBulut]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll try to keep better track of the timespans between my meals/snacks.

It does sound like you should keep a snack or some glucose gel with you at all times so that you can get a quick boost when you feel like you might be hypoglycemic.

 

[KaraBulut]

Re: Random Test Blood Sugar Levels: What's the ran

Travis:

Glucose gel is a standard recommendation that we make for diabetics with labile blood sugars. The reason that we recommend they keep keep glucose gel handy is 1) it doesn't spoil and 2) it can be safely administered when the person is unconscious or near fainting by squeezing the gel into their cheek. The effective is immediate.

You're correct that simple sugars like glucose should not be the primary means to boost blood sugar levels and your suggestion of peanut butter crackers is a good solution for the person who is awake and alert and who is beginning to show the signs of hypoglycemia. If the person is unconscious or near fainting, they should use a simple sugar with a rapid absorption (like glucose gel) followed by a meal once they feel better.

It's not a good idea for a person who is near fainting to try to eat solid food because of the possibility of choking, airway obstruction or aspiration. Once they are more stable and the fainting spell has passed, they should eat a normal meal or a solid snack.